Fuqua had been Afeni Shakur's choice; without him, the Tupac film would not only to have to start from scratch but find someone who was equally satisfactory to the late rapper's mother.

But instead of letting Fuqua walk, Morgan Creek has now responded with a stroke of its own. The company has made Fuqua pay-or-play — a piece of Hollywood lingo that means Fuqua will get paid even if the company doesn't make the movie with him. Essentially, it commits producers to Fuqua and makes it on balance more likely a film will get made. A Morgan Creek spokesman confirmed the move.

Fuqua could now conceivably direct both the Eminem and the Tupac films — and, if things break right, even direct the Tupac movie first.

Morgan Creek does have to grapple with casting the lead part. While the company has looked at several veteran actors, a person familiar with the production who asked anonymity because of the sensitive nature of casting discussions said producers are leaning toward an unknown who has a similar look and background to the Harlem-born, California-raised star. They would then coach him on the acting skills. (Other rap biopics, like the Biggie Smalls tale "Notorious," have employed a similar tactic.) But filmmakers have yet to agree on a casting direction. A Morgan Creek spokesman declined to comment on casting.

Had he lived, Tupac Shakur would have turned 40 on Thursday. His legacy remains strong — nearly 40 million records sold in the U.S. and a cultural influence that far exceeds that. Those involved in developing a feature about him, though, could be forgiven for feeling sometimes like it's them against the world.

Apparently you didnt read the part that said Antoine can easily do BOTH the 2Pac & Eminem movies. After directing such an all-time CLASSIC as "Training Day" it is great finally seeing Antoine Fuqua with the chance to really breakout into the level of fame & fortune he so clearly DESERVES.

No sense holding him back with ridiculous notions like the crazy idea that a man with Mr Fuqua's obvious genius & skills cannot do two major projects at the same time.

I know whatever he does, Fuqua needs to do that Tupac movie and do that is RIGHT. Better than that "Notorious" MESS. Then he can do whatever with Eminem. Doesn't matter...I won't be racing to the cinema to see that. But the Tupac movie????? Front row and CENTERRRRRR

My favorite rapper of all time. I name my son Tupac. when yall do this movie we should be crying when we leave the show. I know eminem a good rapper but not on a level with pac. I could wait on an eminem movie to come to dvd or get it bootleg. But a pac movie I would have to get my movie ticket ASAP.